Hort Innovation have complied a list of resources that may be of assistance during this time.
Resource Themes are as follows:

• Confirmation that agriculture is an essential service
• Continuing to operate in these circumstances for horticulture businesses and workers
• Australian and international borders
• Labour updates and resources
• Financial and business assistance
• Safety of horticultural produce
• General COVID-19 information
• Mental wellbeing and support

Visit the Hort Innovation website to access these resources...

Key points:

• COVID-19 is unlikely to be passed on through fresh produce
• Wash your hands with soap or use a sanitizer after handling your groceries and fresh produce
• Do not wash fresh produce in soap or detergent
• Soap is not designed for use on food and any residues on fresh produce can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea if ingested
• The FDA in the US says to wash fresh fruits and vegetables in cold water

Visit the Fresh Produce Safety Centre website for more information..

Stay informed. Download the official government “Coronavirus Australia” app in the Apple App Store or Google Play, or join our WhatsApp channel on iOS or Android.

You can use the Australian Government Coronavirus app to:
- stay up to date with the official information and advice
- important health advice to help stop the spread and stay healthy
- get a quick snapshot of the current official status within Australia
- check your symptoms if you are concerned about yourself or someone else
- find relevant contact information
- access updated information from the Australian Government
- receive push notifications of urgent information and updates

Visit the Australian Government website for up to date COVID-19 information...

There has been a lot of calls from growers seeking safety and hygiene posters in different languages that can be displayed in around the orchard to assist with dealing with the COVID-19 situation.  Please see the below resources that may assist:

• Publications, videos, reports and more.- 
  https://www.health.gov.au/resources?search_api_views_fulltext=posters
• Translated resources to help share the messaging about coronavirus (COVID-19) in various languages - https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/news/newsfeatures/covid19-updates/partner-resources/covid-19-translated-resources/

The Federal Government has announced its intention to pass the JobKeeper payment program which is designed to support employees and businesses affected by COVID-19. This is a long awaited stimulus measure that assists employers in retaining their workforce.

In summary, the proposal is for a wage subsidy, dubbed the JobKeeper payment, to be made to employers of $1,500 per fortnight per employee to help businesses retain workers through this period.

Key points for employers

• To be eligible and register, employers need to make a declaration that their revenue / turnover has dropped by at least 30% as a result of the current restrictions / COVID19 impact (businesses with $1 billion turnover need to declare a 50% reduction in turnover).
• The subsidy is a flat payment of $1,500 per fortnight, per employee. Aimed to cover part time, full time, casual workers and sole traders who have been in their role for 12 months or more.
• Subsidies available for a period of 6 months from 30 March 2020.